Community News Focus

FOUNTAIN VALLEY : Grant Won to Work on 'Virtual Biology'

Coastline Community College has been awarded a three-year, $184,320 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to develop a "virtual biology laboratory."

The Fountain Valley-based college will use the money to research, produce and evaluate a cost-effective CD-ROM-based computer program. The project will be designed as an interactive simulation of a biology lab experience.

The lab will be targeted for use by students enrolled in introductory biology courses.

The project incorporates interactive learning experiences and exercises that will simulate doing assignments in a "hands-on" lab and will meet academic standards of post-secondary education institutions' non-major biology curriculum.

Coastline will also contribute $296,865 for the project in staff support, facilities and equipment.